Ending a long wait, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir laid the foundation stone of Thakurgaon University on Monday.
He laid the foundation stone at the designated site of the proposed university in the Jamalpur area of Sadar upazila at around 11:20am.
The program was held on the second day of the president’s first official visit to his home district of Thakurgaon since assuming office. The move has raised hopes of opening a new avenue for higher education in the northern district.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived in Thakurgaon on Sunday for a two-day official visit. He landed by helicopter at the Thakurgaon Mohammad Ali Stadium and was received by officials of the district administration and police. He was later accorded a state guard of honour at the Circuit House.
On the first day of his visit, the president visited the graves of his parents. He later attended a civic reception organised at the grounds of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School.
Thousands of people gathered at the venue to see the president, while crowds were also seen on surrounding roads and the rooftops of nearby buildings.
According to local sources, students, teachers, guardians and people from various professions have long demanded the establishment of a public university in the northern district.
The university is expected to expand access to higher education for students from Thakurgaon and neighbouring districts.
After laying the foundation stone, the president is scheduled to return to his residence for lunch and a brief rest. He will later complete official formalities at the Circuit House before leaving for Dhaka by helicopter.